Mao's spiral is very nice but I wish she (and Kanako) wouldn't drop their backs so far so that their legs could go higher...I think the upper body should be at least parallel, otherwise it looks like a kind-of Charlotte which isn't too attractive. Mao's spiral in 2006-2008 is her optimal spiral IMO.

I agree, and I also wish they'd have the girls learn to use their upper body to lower their leg so that it's in unison and their body lines aren't broken, just looks so much nicer (and stronger). To me this just gives a skater that 'something' extra that I fall in love with. But I guess it's a lot tougher in skates on ice than it is in a dance studio or on stage. Just my 2 cents lol.

I loved Mao. Always and forever. So sweet and gorgeous. You can tell how much she loves skating, not for anyone else but herself. It's not a chore for her... And great skate by Caroline too! Landing all the jumps was huge, even if the speed and choreo went out the window. =P And Ashley skated very well but honestly not that different than what she did on the Grand Prix. Why the 30 point difference in scores? I'd be curious to see what kind of scores and PCS she gets in France next month. And what was that about the 3rd place spot on the podium during her interview?

I think there is some reputation PCS as she is the national champion, but I would disagree that it wasn't better than what she did in the the Grand Prix. She attacked that program tonight. Her jumps were solid.

Even with 3 spots it wouldnt be easy though. If Ashley medals at Worlds it pretty much makes her a lock for next years team. Unless something happens to Gracie Gold she probably is as well. Then there is Czisny, Nagasu if she gets her act together, and Agnes.

If I'm not wrong, Johnny medaled at Worlds one year, was our highest finisher & guaranteed us three men's spots for the next year & then was left off the team the next year. Nothing is guaranteed.

I'm in tears, this IS a historic moment in the history of American ladies figure skating, we almost swept the podium, the last time that happened was at 1991 Worlds in Munich with Kristi, Tonya, Nancy.

Good on Mao for putting the 3A back into her repertoire. I do share the concern among some other people that some of her jumps seem off. Her 3loop, even her 3flip. There just isn't as much pop to them. But Mao is hanging in there. She recovered from last year's disaster of a season to never finishing lower than 2nd in this one.